I figure if you’re a follower of this blog, we be besties now. Meaning, I should probably be straight up with you already and tell you why I’ve been MIA for the last little while. Life has taken a turn for the interesting over the last few months, and I’ve found myself in the middle of a divorce from my lovely husband. And yes, he’s still lovely, and always will be. Without divulging too much information, for your sake as much as mine, believe me, I’ll just say that I’m a firm believer in seeking out one’s happiness, and this new road I’m embarking on is going to lead me to just that. So, if you PLEASE : no “I’m so sorry”s! I simply can’t hear that sentence one more godforsaken time! No one died! I assure you, we’re both still alive and well. Just alive and well and living in different cities.

Which brings me to my next bout of news. I’ve decided to move back to my hometown of Vancouver, BC, the city of my support system, my fondest memories, my family, my friends, my favorite bartenders… Basically my place of refuge. Although I adore Los Angeles, I’m a Canadian girl at heart, and it was time to get back to my roots. And lord have I missed this city. And if I do say so myself, I believe it may have missed me back.

But really, this isn’t about me. This entry belongs to the latest object of my affection (or obsession), a restaurant that has slipped its way into one of my top ten favorites in this beautiful rainy city with one singular meal. It’s called The Flying Pig, and it makes me oh so very happy.

The Flying Pig is smack dab in the middle of Yaletown, Vancouver’s trendy Soho-esque area teeming with the kind of pretty people who like to dress their dogs in clothes. But don’t let that deter you. This is a restaurant worth checking out, even if they don’t take reservations and make you wait a rather obscene amount of time for a table. But the good news is, like all good things, the wait’s worth it. The ladies and I (or The Wives, as we are known to one another. Someone once equated our group of six to a “pack of loud, drunken, beautiful Barbies” but we’re still on the fence with that moniker, however accurate) headed there on a Saturday night at the early hour of 6 o’clock to ensure we ate before midnight. But after a mere half an hour we were seated and ready to rumble. One of my favorite things about TFP– we’re so close, we give each other acronyms!– is its open concept-style room, large communal wooden tables, a big welcoming bar, huge window looking into the kitchen to take in all the action, even old oak barrels scattered around the room to rest your drink on during that pesky wait. It’s loud and comforting and friendly, just like us wives.

Owned and operated by cuties John Crook and Eric Heck, it’s a place that prides itself in all things local and seasonal, which is to say what you’ll be eating will be fresh, sustainable, and just delicious. Bonus? John Crook trained with pastry god Francois Payard, so you best be saving room for dessert after dinner. We decided to go sharesies so we could try more stuff (we may be Barbies but we’re Barbies who pig out), and with a menu offering delectables like in-house smoked salmon samplers, skillet roasted beef filets with lobster mashed potatoes, and short rib macaroni, why on earth wouldn’t you? Some of our favorites:

Wanna know the piece de resistance? You can even sign up for a cooking class (your house or theirs) to learn how to cook this food at home for your lucky little friends! That’s right, veal piccata and sugar pie any time you want, without the wait for a table!

But to be honest, sometimes the wait just makes the food taste better. Or, much more likely, they’re just better at cooking than I am. Either way, TFP? Get ready to see more of the JBS.

Since we must skip the Voldemort sentence, I’ll say I made a crucial mistake AGAIN and read Happy Opu without any food in front of me… Now I must raid my fridge! And here is 2 p.m., stairs are incredibly squeaky and I have 8 roommates… Dang!

I’m sure Vancouver is delighted to have you back…can’t wait to hear LOTS more tales from some of the greatest eateries around…and if you want to follow the Black Bear he now has his own Twitter acc..the wonders of modern technology eh?… https://twitter.com/#!/downtown_bear

I’m moving to Vancouver in a year and a half!!!! I am SO ridiculously excited to try the places you’ve been ^___^ Though on a student salary, I’m not sure how many of the places I will be able to afford 😛

It’s good to see you back my dear. I was wondering where you’ve been. Once again you’ve managed to make me ravenous even though I ate dinner. If my diet had eyes it would be glaring at you right about now. Look forward to reading more about your food adventures and wishing you to best as you go back to your old stomping ground!

I’m fairly sure that before I found this blog I had no clue how to eat. Come to think of it, I still don’t know how to really eat and enjoy food as you do. Got any recommendations for a neophyte foodie in Washington, D.C. looking for a change from Five Guys Burgers?

What? Maple Sugar Pie? There is such a thing as Maple Sugar Pie? I have never heard of it, but want it, and curse the world in general for keeping its existance a secret from me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe I need to do a good bit of googling, unless, of course, you might have lifted the recipe for this from somewhere?

No “I’m sorry”s from me, just a “go for it”, we all need to do what’s best for ourselves, and if this is what will make you happy then I’m all for it. Getting divorced was what I needed to find out who I was, not just one half of a couple, I’m definitely happier now. Good luck on the move back to Vancouver. Even if it is “home” it’ll be a bit of an upheavel for a little while but it sounds great. And omg those brussel sprouts look amazing. I’m the ONLY person I know who loves them, and right now I’m craving them and it’s only 7.40am in London lol.

You always make these reseraunts sound fun , inviting and worth the wait! Could it be the company you keep? And the wine you drink? BC has always been on my Bucket List. Heck all of the NW is on my Bucket List.
Hurray for makinging sure of your own happiness! And for returning to your roots and support (group:) system:D

Henceforth I shall adopt and adapt your moniker and be LDB. Loud, drunk and beautiful. (Ain’t no way I’m a Barbie.) Good luck with your move. I’ve always been drawn to that part of the world, so I’m a little jealous of you. (I mean, besides your amazing hair.)

Canada’s gain & LA’s loss. You strike me as a lady with a lot of moxie so I have no doubt you will continue to be awesome. Thanks for coming back to the interwebs and sharing more of your foodie adventures with us.

I consider that “besties” thing for sure Jewel. I will be submitting a catalog to Wheddon in the near future (because I am a freaking geekasaurus).
So, the divorce thing, I’m really sorry about that. Been married 16+ years and it’s not always been all blueberry pie, or shiny to say the least. Keep your chin up, and make yourself feel better: Set something up with Anthony Bourdain in the near future. Mutually beneficial. So nice to hear from you again.

I think we can all agree that we want you to be happy, and whatever you need to do to attain that is understandable. I wish you only the best.

That being said, it’s great to see the reviews return. I adore reading your casual yet eloquent prose. Sometimes it’s like I’m at the table with you indulging in these delish finds of yours, or scowling at the atrocities(which you write about far less than your successes, but still an enjoyable read).

Thank you for your triumphant return, and I eagerly await your next entry.

Hey Jewel, I hope you new life up north will treat you well!
I actually saw a movie of yours, Call Me Mrs. Miracle, the other day, and found it really christmassy, which is a good grade for a movie like that. As expected, you were the greatest part in that movie and shine like a true star!
/a swedish fan

Jewel, that stuff looks AMAZING! and Vancouver food looks incredible, which only reinforces the fact that I should move there x3498753. My 8+ years’ + dream come true! Good luck girl, in all things you do! xoxo Erin.

Welcome back to the Northwest! A little farther north you’d make it to paradise! Although we don’t have “The Flying Pig.” We do have Zephyr. Great restaurant in Juneau and Ludvig’s in Sitka (closed in the winter months though) Come up for a visit! Well, you’ll find more to do in the spring, summer and early fall months.

You are right to look after your happiness, it would be fantastic to achive it with a sole mate but not all sole mates are for life. Being good and happy in yourself means you will give much happiness to everyone you come in contact with – I’m glad a well adjusted Canadian girl can do this and stay friends unlike so many others in this world. May your 2012 be fantastic……… but being the person you are and with your attitude, of course it will be!!!

Gee Jewel, I have no idea how I found your blog … but since I’m here, might as well look around.
I think it’s probably because I’m a die-hard Atlantis & Firefly fan, was probably stalking, er searching for you main cast members from Atlantis (still IMHO the best TV show of all time).
Regardless, I’m here now, and although my palette is so refined, that I lean more towards Cheeseburgers & Beer … I’ll give your blog a “taste test” and see If I see something I like.
Good luck in all your endeavors, and I agree with you on the response people give you when they first hear you’re going through the “D” word:o). I went through one several years ago, and I’m still friends with her entire family, adults can do that ya know.
Take care.

New to the blog … glad see it. Also glad to see your brief visit to my favorite city in the world … NYC. I live in Vermont, but frequently take the train down to the City for weekends. Would never live there again (attended Columbia in the early ’60s … yes, ‘olddog’ is an accurate portrayal), but miss it when I’ve been away too long. So, congratulations for embracing the City.

As for Brussels Sprouts … much maligned, but, IMHO a worthy vegetable. Have never deep-fried, but have sauteed until crispy, and, my favorite, roasted in extra-virgin with fresh thyme. My favorite vegetable next to spinach and kale.

I just discovered your food blog as a result of a typical “You know that person that plays that person on that show….” Google search. In this case, it was “You know that girl that plays Kaylee on Firefly and Dr. Keller on SG Atlantis…” A quick read of Wikipedia led me here. Of course, the brief mention of this blog there was in the brief reference to your divorce, but I figure that’s your own business and none of mine. (Best of luck in that regard, though) I have a lot of back-reading to do. I love food blogs. If my plans ever actually pan out and I actually make it to Vancouver (a few attempts that failed), I shall try The Flying Pig. It sounds really familiar. Perhaps one of my BC friends mentioned it at some point.

Bet its great to be home! Uhm, big fan of yours, but you always eat the grossest looking food though.:) (sorry I’m a country boy in TX and that stuff looks weird) Look forward to seeing more work from you!

BTW see you listed as writer, and know you have comic book connections. Maybe you could join other Whedon actors (Tara Benson, James Marsters, etc) and write some? Kaylee miniseries?:)

Something seems missing from your lovely meal, perhaps some lightly toasted garlic bread with melted butter or perhaps some tortillas? What was the bevarage of choice with your meal? Makes me want to make some catfish burritos. Be well, eat well, and stay frosty.

Great to hear you are back in Vancouver. The Flying Pig eh? I’ll give that a try. I’m headed to Seattle Comic Con next month and will be seeing Summer Glau and Adam Baldwin. Too bad you won’t be there. I’ll cross my fingers and hope you will be at this year’s Vancouver FanExpo.

Not sure what the Firefly or Serenity references are? They sound like a couple of dodgy English nightclubs to me where you definately wouldnt
want to eat your food off the floor.
Happened to come accross this blog whilest looking for good eating joints for a trip to New York i’ve got planned in August.
Good to see someone as god damn god looking as yourself not worrying about where the nearest lettuce leaf is coming from!! At the of day food is immense!
Keep up the good work and if your ever over in good old England I can treat you to the earthy English delacacy that is Black Pudding!!

You don’t know what the references to Firefly or Serenity are? Dear gawd! lol I just finished watching all 14 episodes and Serenity over the last 3 days and really great, loved ’em, never saw them before, real shame they cancelled the series. So, go googley ’em and you’ll see what I mean – if you’re into sci-fi. And Jewel played my favourite character. Never watched Stargate Atlantis though, well, I did once but couldn’t get into it. And they cancelled Stargate Universe, what’s wrong with these people! : )

So often people beg to find peace. The trick is…to let peace find you. It seems that peace has found your dear heart and that alone is worth a big fat glass of Sauvignon Blanc. A toast to your journey and the peace that finds you.